SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers could be without running back Ryan Mathews after he suffered a groin strain Monday in Kansas City.

It is just the latest injury to Mathews, who has been knocked out for portions of three games this season with thumb, calf and groin injuries. He has, however, played in every game and ranks seventh in the league in yards from scrimmage.

The Chargers could be without running back Ryan Mathews after he suffered a groin strain Monday in Kansas City. (AP Photo)

The good news is Mike Tolbert will return after being inactive at Kansas City due to a hamstring strain. Tolbert tested his leg extensively on Monday and is expected to return.

The status of No.3 tailback Curtis Brinkley, who scored the Chargers' tying touchdown and two-point conversion, also won't be known until later in the week after he suffered a concussion.

Notes: The Chargers, in desperate need of pass rush, have signed defensive end Everette Brown to a two-year contract. The 6-foot-1, 256-pound Brown will be used as an outside pass rusher in the Chargers' 3-4 defense. The former second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers, who didn't live up to expectations in two seasons with the team that drafted him, was released by Carolina in final cuts prior to the season.

The Chargers have just 13 sacks, lost Larry English (foot) to injured reserve last week and were without Shaun Phillips (foot) in Kansas City on Monday. It is not known how quickly Brown can be activated, but the Chargers will likely use him to try to get after Aaron Rodgers this week.